Understanding seasonal allergies in pets

Dr. Alex Schliemann, BVSc

As the weather warms up and flowers bloom, many pets begin to suffer from seasonal allergies. Just like humans, dogs and cats can react to environmental changes, but while we typically experience hay fever, pets usually show their allergic reactions through their skin, ears, and paws.

Seasonal allergies tend to pop up at the exact same time every year. You may notice your pet obsessively licking or chewing at their paws, belly, or groin. Their skin might look red and irritated, or they may develop hot spots, hair loss, and recurring ear infections (often marked by frequent head shaking or a bad odor). Some pets will also experience watery eyes and frequent sneezing.

Spring allergens surround our pets both outdoors and inside the home. Pollen floating in the air from trees, grasses, and flowers easily attaches to their fur and paws during outdoor walks. Increased seasonal moisture can cause mold and mildew spores to spike, while spring cleaning often stirs up indoor dust and dander. Warmer weather also brings an increase in bites from fleas and other insects, which can spark severe skin reactions in sensitive animals.

Small daily routine changes can make a massive difference in keeping your pet comfortable:

• Wipe your pet's paws and belly with a damp cloth or pet-safe wipe after every outdoor walk to remove trapped pollen. Be sure to not leave any moist spots.

• Rinse them with a hypoallergenic or oatmeal shampoo to wash away environmental triggers and soothe irritated skin. Be careful to not bathe them too often, which can also lead to skin irritation.

• Vacuum frequently, wash pet bedding in hot water, and consider running an air purifier to keep indoor spaces allergen-free.

• Adding Omega-3 fatty acids to their daily diet helps support the skin barrier and reduce overall inflammation.

When at-home measures aren't enough, your veterinarian can step in to halt the itch cycle. At the clinic, your vet will evaluate your pet for secondary bacterial or yeast infections that often develop from chronic scratching. They can prescribe targeted anti-itch medications to provide fast relief, discuss specialized medicated baths, or recommend long-term treatment strategies.